2010 Events Available
Brussels Book Fair
Brussels, 3 - 7 March
An international event which attracts both authors and readers of all ages. There are workshops, book signings and the opportunity for writers to get feedback on their work.
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Ecu Film Festival
Paris, 12 - 14 March
The European Independent Film Festival (Ecu) is an important festival for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and attracts a large number of professionals and cinema lovers. In addition to the large number of films shown, it is possible to attend editing workshops run by AVID, screenwriting labs hosted by Scriptshark and experience first-hand the latest filmmaking technology. For more see www.ecufilmfestival.com
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Mother's Day
14 March
Treat your mum to a weekend away, she deserves it! Lille, Reims, Bruges, Paris, the choice is endless.
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Méli'môme Festival
Reims, 16 March - 2 April
A festival of performance attracting all ages with around 200 performances of theatre, stories, contemporary dance, music and opera. See www.meli-mome.com
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St Patrick's Day at Disneyland® Paris
Paris, 17 March
Mickey, Minnie and pals go green and sport shamrocks for St Patrick's Day celebrations. The festivities include Celtic music and parades on Main Street USA, Irish dance troupes and free face painting on the Castle Stage.
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Six Nations Rugby
Paris, February - March
France will play three home matches at the Stade de France in Paris during the Championship: Ireland on the 13th February, Italy on 14th March and England on 20th March.
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Art Paris
Paris, 18 - 22 March
An annual exhibition of contemporary art which attracts over 40,000 international visitors each year. For more details see www.artparis.fr
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Salon du Livre
Paris, 26 - 31 March
A prestigious book fair held at the Port de Versailles with talks, autograph sessions and workshops. See www.salondulivreparis.com
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Méli'môme Festival
Reims, 16 March - 2 April
A festival of performance attracting all ages with around 200 performances of theatre, stories, contemporary dance, music and opera. See www.meli-mome.com
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Tour of Flanders
Bruges, 2 - 5 April
An important road cycling race which is part of the UCI Pro Tour. You can watch all the riders set off from Bruges and then enjoy a few days in this stunning city.
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Festival of Fantastic Film
Brussels, 8 - 20 April
Around 150 films are shown during the festival, which rates amongst the best in the world. Other activities include the famous body-painting competitions and vampires ball. For more details see http://bifff.net/
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Paris Marathon
Paris, 11 April
Each year around 30,000 runners compete in the Paris Marathon which is run from the historic Bastille to the Seine embankment. The event is open to both professionals and amateurs and usually attracts competitors from around 100 countries. The 200,000 strong crowd makes this an exciting spectacle.
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Floralies of Ghent
Ghent, 17 - 25 April
The 34th edition of this flower festival is expected to attract 300,000 visitors to the world’s largest indoor garden which also features 8 fountains, ponds and over 300 exhibitors.
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Furies Festival
Chalons-en-Champagne, 29 May – 5 June
A circus and street theatre festival held each year throughout the town in which performers from across the world showcase their work.
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Hanswijk Procession
Mechelen, 9 May
Each year the people of Mechelen carry a statue of Mary through the streets to commemorate the city being saved from the plague in 1272. A large colourful spectacle which attracts a big crowd and includes floats, horses, musicians, choirs and dance groups. To purchase tickets visit www.hanswijkprocessie.org
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Procession of the Holy Blood
Bruges, 13 May
A procession depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments and telling the tale of how the relic of the Holy Blood came to Bruges with the crusader Knight Diederik of Alsace. To find out more visit www.holyblood.com
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Leuven In Scenes
Leuven, 26 - 27 May
A biennial open-air theatre festival which is completely free and includes a large number of good international acts. In 2006 the event attracted 100,000 visitors to the city when the main attraction was the decorated, fairy-tale like Town Hall.
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French Open Tennis
Paris, 23 May – 6 June
One of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments attracting the best 500 players in the world. Held on clay courts at the Roland Garros Stadium.
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Brussels Jazz Marathon
Brussels, 28 - 30 May
Now in its thirteen year, the Brussels Jazz Marathon has become extremely popular with jazz enthusiasts from around world. Over 450 musicians perform in the main squares (Grand Place, Place du Sablon, Place Ste-Catherine and Place Fernand Cocq) as well as in more than 50 venues across the city and all concerts are free. For more details visit www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be
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2010 Events Available
Antwerp Beach
Antwerp, 15 June – 15 September
Each summer the Antwerp Docks on the banks of the River Scheldt are converted into an urban beach. Visitors can enjoy everything from a game of beach boules to live music and entertainment. And if you need to take a break from the sun, head to one of the cool bars and cafes along the beach.
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Paris Gay Pride
Paris, 26 June
A huge colourful parade through the city attracting more than half a million spectators. Other events include parties and balls.
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Le Mans 24 Hour Race (24 Heures du Mans)
Le Mans (Loire), 12 - 13 June
The annual famous 24 hour motor race is held on a circuit in Le Mans which is partly private, partly public roads which are closed for this endurance event.
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Furies Festival
Chalons-en-Champagne, 29 May - 5 June
A circus and street theatre festival held each year throughout the town in which performers from across the world showcase their work.
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French Open Tennis
Paris, 23 May – 6 June
One of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments attracting the best 500 players in the world. Held on clay courts at the Roland Garros Stadium.
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Ghent City Museum
Ghent, 17 June
The new museum, known as the STAM, will open its doors to visitors this summer and through various multimedia applications and selected pieces from the Ghent collection, it will tell the history of the city. There will also be temporary exhibitions in the adjoining monastery.
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Fete de la Musique
Paris, 18 – 20 June
This is a free music fete rather than a festival and is open to any performers (amateur or professional). Singers, orchestras and choirs perform in unusual locations such as train stations, museums, parks and castles.
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Couleur Café Festival
Brussels, 25 – 27 June
An urban music festival featuring R&B, hip hop reggae, raga, dancehall, salsa, latin, rock, dance and more. In addition to four music marquees there is an art exhibition, 50 world kitchen stalls, flea market, dance classes and demonstrations.
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Ommegang Pageant
Brussels, 29 June – 1 July
1400 extras dressed in authentic historic costumes take part in the reconstruction of the Ommegang, one of the most important historical and cultural events in Brussels which was first organised in 1549 for Charles V and his son Philip. For more details visit www.ommegang.be
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